Jordan Hancock, CB, Ohio State
Size:
Height: 6001
Weight: 195
Arm: 30 ¾”
Hand: 8 ⅝
Accomplishments:
Four-star recruit
“Jordan Hancock is an athletic, versatile chess piece in the secondary while being comfortable in man and zone coverage. He’s willing to do what the defense needs.”
Strengths:
Versatility
Click and close
Eyes in off-coverage
Zone prowess
Lateral agility
Concerns:
Aggressiveness
Quick to open hips
Run defense
Play strength
Film Analysis:
Jordan Hancock came into his own as a junior at Ohio State. He saw career highs across the board and led the team in interceptions (2) and forced fumbles (2) while having five passes defended. He was moved all around the defense from corner to nickel to safety, and he showed off his ability to cover every skill position. He’ll be looking to build on his most productive collegiate season in 2024.
Hancock is most comfortable with his eyes on the quarterback as a zone defender; he always pushes receivers on by as they enter and leave his zone. He’s a fluid mover in his backpedal with great lateral agility to flip his hips and run. His short-area and click-and-close ability allow him to work from the nickel well and get on top of receivers or check-down outlets in a snap. He’s not afraid to be physical through routes as a man defender and stay in the receiver's hip pockets. He was used more as a blitzer in 2023, utilizing his quickness and ability to disguise when he’s coming.
He’s not bringing much as a run defender as he lacks play strength, pop in his hands, and the ability to disengage from blocks. While he’s an aggressive man coverage player, he gets grabby at the top of routes, where he tends to stop moving his feet. Receivers use that to get around him and elicit holds from Hancock. He likes to open his hips prematurely, giving receivers an easier path to manipulation in the stem and release areas. He can quickly get downhill to the ball-carrier, but the wrap-up technique doesn’t always follow.
Being a versatile defender has become a highly sought-after commodity at the next level and affords Hancock many avenues to contribute. His natural athleticism and comfort in space should allow him to compete as a nickel corner early on in a zone scheme where he can use his eyes and downhill prowess.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Developmental traits
Written By: Daniel Harms
